Snowshoeing in the Thompson Okanagan takes place everywhere from ski resorts to the snowy backcountry of provincial parks.
The region's four major resorts – Apex, Big White, Silver Star and Sun Peaks – offer snowshoeing trails and guided tours, including night walks, spectacular sunsets and chocolate fondues. View stunning vistas at the family-friendly Mount Baldy ski area, or head to Wells Gray Provincial Park for backcountry experiences, including guided tours into this vast wilderness park.
Tours and equipment rentals are available at many of the larger snowshoe areas, and many outdoor stores also have rentals. Check with local Visitor Centres for trail maps and information.
Snowshoeing at Apex Mountain Resort
Snowshoeing at Apex Mountain Resort (35 minutes from Penticton) takes place at the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, 7km/4.4mi away. Take advantage of the centre’s heated lodge and kitchen facilities before hitting 25km/15.5mi of trails groomed specifically for snowshoeing.
Trails here range from beginner walks in open meadows to advanced trails that trek to semi-alpine areas with amazing views.
Snowshoeing at Big White Ski Resort
Head to Big White Ski Resort, situated in the Monashee Mountains near Kelowna, for guided snowshoeing tours at a resort named “Best Family Skiing” by Ski Canada magazine. Don headlamps for a Sunset Snowshoe Tour or Full Moon Tour, led by an interpretive guide. There’s a full selection of accommodations and dining as well.
Find an additional 75km/46.6mi of groomed trails at the Kelowna Nordic Cross-Country Ski Club. Swish through snowy meadows and treed paths, look for beaver dams and lynx tracks and rest in one of four shelters. Big White and the Kelowna Nordic Cross-Country Ski Club are a 45-minute drive southeast from Kelowna.
Snowshoeing at Mount Baldy
Family-friendly Mount Baldy, situated in the South Okanagan Valley, has 20km/12mi of marked, interconnected trails, many with great views of Mount Baldy and the valley.
Tackle Gruhl's Pool, a loop that leads around the backside of Mt. McKinney. Look for old trail signs from when the mountain first opened in 1968 as well as signs left over from the BC Games. Trails are shared with cross-country skiers. Mount Baldy is a 35km/22mi drive east from Oliver.
Snowshoeing at Silver Star Mountain Resort
Silver Star Mountain Resort is a picturesque setting for a snowshoeing holiday – the resort is set against the backdrop of the Victorian-inspired village, with vibrant storefronts and rustic boardwalks. Explore 12km/7.5 mi of groomed trails, with an additional 14km/8.5 mi at the nearby Sovereign Lake trail system, that travel through spectacular, sub-alpine wilderness.
Follow wildlife tracks through the forest on a “Snowshoe Safari”, view a mesmerizing sunset along a historic trail, or join a night snowshoeing tour to a cabin for chocolate fondue followed by a sleigh ride back to the village. The resort also offers tours on holidays. Silver Star is a 30-minute drive northeast from Vernon.
Snowshoeing at Sun Peaks Resort
Sun Peaks Resort has 28km/17.4mi of groomed trails and 12km/7.5mi of backcountry trails to explore. Sun Peaks offers rentals as well as informative guided tours: on the Winter Wonderland tour, visit snow caves and a trapper’s cabin or learn about the Canadian lynx on the Valley of the Lynx tour. Combine snowshoes and snacks on an Alpine Brunch tour or a classic Marshmallow Roast. Sun Peaks is a 45-minute drive northeast from Kamloops.
Snowshoeing at Wells Gray Provincial Park
Snowshoe into wilderness at the large, remote Wells Gray Provincial Park. Those without backcountry snowshoeing experience are advised to explore the park through guided tours with local outfitters.Wells Gray Provincial Park is 35km/22mi drive north of Clearwater.
Practical Points
- Snowshoeing season can start as early as November and can last until April.
- Snowshoers exploring unmarked routes in provincial and national parks should have backcountry skills and experience.
- Some cross-country ski areas do not permit snowshoes on trails (snowshoe tracks can ruin the grooming for skiers). Check the trail info before heading out.
- Some snowshoe trails have user fees. Check with local Visitor Centres for trail maps and information.
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